Cell Pathways Inc has said that the Food and Drug Administration rejected its new drug application for Aptosyn, the company's cancer lesion treatment drug.

Cell Pathways, which is based in Horsham, Pa., said the FDA notified the company orally and it expects to receive a letter describing the deficiencies of its application. The company said it plans to meet with the FDA before it considers a course of action.

``We remain confident of the promise of Aptosyn for the prevention and treatment of cancer and precancerous lesions,'' CEO Robert Towarnicki said in a statement. ``This is based on the laboratory, animal and human data we have gathered in a wide variety of indications.''